Seven Mississippi State Softball Players Named to National Team Pools

Seven Mississippi State softball players have been named to national team player pools, according to university officials. The selections include players for both the United States and American Samoa women’s national teams.

American Samoa, led by MSU head coach Samantha Ricketts, has named six Bulldogs to its pool. The group features Chloe Malau’ulu, who won gold at the Pacific Mini Games in Palau last July. Also included are alumni Fa Leilua and Matalasi Faapito, along with current seniors Kiarra Sells and her sister, sophomore Kalani Sells. Incoming signee Taylor Faga rounds out the group.

Ricketts’ strong connection to Samoa has led to the recruitment of seven American Samoan players since 2016. The team has had as many as four players on the roster in 2023. Malau’ulu’s gold medal and the continued recruitment show the program’s deep ties to the island.

Sierra Sacco was selected for the U.S. national team pool after participating in the 2025-26 Team USA Down Under Series, where she made her debut representing the United States. The U.S. team has already qualified to host the 2026 WBSC World Cup group stage in Oklahoma City this September.

International competitions this summer will aid in qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Six nations, including the U.S., will compete in Oklahoma City, with remaining qualifiers determined by subsequent tournaments, including the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup and regional championships.

American Samoa has also committed to playing at the Canada Cup in Surrey, British Columbia, July 6-12. This event will mark Ricketts’ first games leading the squad and could serve as the international debut for up to five Bulldogs.

Ricketts is the second MSU head coach to lead a national team, joining Jay Miller. Former All-American Iyhia McMichael also coaches for the U.S. U-15 girls team. To date, 16 Bulldog players have represented six countries internationally, including current assistant coach Zac Shaw, who captains the U.S. men’s national team.

For more information on Mississippi State softball, follow the program on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram by searching ‘HailStateSB.’

Source: Original Article